Bonnie Roof Reviews Julie Lessman's Four New Novella's

She longs to be the perfect mother. He just longs for his wife. Until they receive ... the best gift of all. Everyone knows Lizzie and John Brady have the perfect marriage. But when Lizzie’s desire to be a good mother eclipses her desire for her husband, the honeymoon is definitely over. Can the spirit of Christmas heal their hearts when Lizzie gives John the best gift of all?

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL: AN O'CONNOR CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

The Best Gift of All features John and Lizzy Brady in an engaging romance that addresses a problem familiar to many marriages: balancing the roles of spouse and parent. The Best Gift of All will inspire, reveal dramatic surprises, entertain with its family's antics, bring both smiles and tears, warm the reader's heart, and endear them to its characters. It's story of faith could quite possibly heal some marriages!

He’s everybody’s lovable rogue. She’s nobody’s fool who hopes to steer clear. Until a thunderstorm sinks them both into a sea of love. Blake “The Rake” McClare has a notorious reputation as a womanizer, which is why soft-spoken Patience Peabody carefully avoids the lovable rogue attorney at the law firm in which they both work. Until a rare thunderstorm brings them together in a love soaked with the grace of God ... and sparked with a little lightning of its own

GRACE LIKE RAIN: A HEART OF SAN FRANCISCO Novella - 5 Stars

Attorney Blake "The Rake" McClare is a womanizer who lives up to his name - until his charms are lost on soft-spoken, professional, receptionist Patience Peabody (who wears her name well). Patience has a few tricks of her own - who will win the battle of the wills in this engrossing, sweet romance that will inspire, give you a laugh, some drama, spin a twist, and then steal your heart with it's warm, realistic characters? Only God knows!

She’s the Accident to His Prayers …Pastor Cole McCabe isn’t sure he’ll survive the holidays with his new housekeeper and nanny. She’s caught fire to the kitchen, dyed his long johns pink, and scorched nearly everything she cooks. But he’s desperate, and she’s as destitute as they come. Even though she’s no good with her hands, Grace sure has a way with her heart. She’s brought a warmth into Cole’s home, added color to his daughters’ lives, and broken down the wall he’s built up since his beloved wife died. But when Grace’s past threatens Cole’s family, she’s given one last chance to be home for Christmas . . . if she hasn’t burned it down yet.

THE GIFT OF GRACE: A FRONTIER CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

When his aunt is injured, Pastor Cole McCabe is desperate for a housekeeper and nanny for his daughters. A friend of Cole's deceased wife, Grace O'Malley is destitute and desperate for a lifestyle change. What would appear to be the perfect answer to the problems of both - turns into a disaster when Cole finds Grace can't cook and has few housekeeping skills. When her secrets threaten to tear his family apart, Cole intervenes and reveals a few secrets of his own. Drama, twists, and suspense kept me glued to the pages of this beautiful romance; the endearing children, hilarious situations, and sweet romance brought me to tears. Forgiveness and redemption through a loving God are the healing factors making this story a winner.

She’s desperate for a baby. He’s desperate for an empty nest.

Love is desperate to surprise them both. With a husband dead set against adoption, Charity O’Connor Dennehy has barely a whisper of hope for more children, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … will it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

A WHISPER OF HOPE: AN O'CONNOR CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

Charity O'Connor Dennehy, mother of twins, desperately wants to adopt a child she has come to love while on visits to St. Mary's Home For Unwed-Mothers with her sister-in-law. Husband Mitch, 16 years Charity's senior, is deeply opposed - wanting to raise and provide their best for the two children they already have. Whose perspective will change?

Having worked in a home for abused and neglected children and being a parent myself, I could identify with both sides of the story and was deeply touched by it. Author Julie Lessman provided just enough warmth, laughs, and spiritual inspiration to balance out my reader tears.     

You may purchase these wonderful novellas by clicking on these links. 

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL (An O’Connor Christmas Novella):

GRACE LIKE RAIN (A Heart of San Francisco Novella)

THE GIFT OF GRACE

A WHISPER OF HOPE (An O’Connor Christmas Novella)

GIVEAWAY: Ms. Lessman has graciously offered the gift of (3) Three e-books. Each Winner Has The Choice of Any (1) One of These Outstanding Novellas. 

His Steadfast Love by Julie Lessman - Review by Bonnie Roof

His Steadfast Love

by Julie Lessman

Review by Bonnie Roof

5 STARS *****

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23

Though I've read each one of Julie Lessman's books - her writing never ceases to amaze me! Possessing the innate ability to draw readers into her stories, she makes me feel not only as if I'm a member of those beautiful, warm, cozy families she writes about - but a part of the story and a friend of the characters, as well. 

But warm and cozy though they be, those amazing families struggle with the same pressures of daily life and serious life-changing issues as you, me, and the rest of today's modern world. "His Steadfast Love" is no exception - amidst the joys and triumphs experienced by the characters: present or past issues of being unforgivable, bitterness, date rape, jealousy, sexual abuse, feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, and adultery are also addressed.

It was easy to fall in love with ex-Navy Seal and pastor Chase Griffin, who has such a heart for people, the situations in which Cat placed herself both angered me and elicited tears of sympathy, Ms. Lilly made me laugh at her "no-nonsense" approach and marvel at her spiritual wisdom. "His Steadfast Love" led me through the gamut of emotions : from tears of joy to tears of sympathy and all those in between.

It's a story filled with humor, copious quantities of romance, angst, unexpected twists, lovable characters, and a realistic plot but the "creme de la creme" is the hope, inspiration, and redemption story from a loving God. Received by it's characters and now it's readers (as evidenced by it's reviews) - a life-changing possibility, for sure!

"His Steadfast Love" is the last in the series of three books and completes the series so beautifully (it's quite possibly Julie Lessman's best work to date), but is also such a delight as a stand-alone readers will be enticed to read the other two books, "Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love" and "Love Everlasting", and the prologue, "A Glimmer of Hope", as well. I'll certainly miss spending time with the charming O'Bryen and Carmichael families!

Love prospers when a heart is forgiven. (Proverbs 17:9)

Disclaimer: I was provided a PDF of "His Steadfast Love" by the author but was not required to write a review. This review is my honest opinion of "His Steadfast Love". 

Also coming from Julie Lessman on Amazon Sept. 1: "Grace Like Rain: A Heart of San Francisco Novella", "The Best Gift of All: An O'Connor Christmas Novella", "The Gift of Grace: A Frontier Christmas Novella", and "A Whisper of Hope: An O'Connor Christmas Novella". $.99 each and pre-order available now.

Blurb for His Steadfast Love by Julie Lessman
She’s bent on fun.
He’s bent on faith.
Till true love bridges the gap.

Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.

Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.

Giveaway: Julie is offering a giveaway of His Steadfast Love to one of our readers. Winner can choose a paperback of His Steadfast Love, releasing this fall, or ebook copies of all three novels in this series! Leave a prayer below for Bonnie's health for the upcoming author event CFFR to enter, thanks!

Cowboy Christmas Homecoming - from Gilead, Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Four Historical Novellas - Cowboy Christmas Homecoming is sure to bring the reader enjoyment during this holiday season.

Pick this one for your Christmas read!

With stories from Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, and Ruth Logan Herne -- Christian historical romance readers can't go wrong with this new release from new publisher Gilead!!!

FIVE STARS *****
(Disclaimer: I was only able to finish reading three of the four novellas before life got too hectic. I was unable to read Anna Schmidt's novella. But the first three novellas were so good, I give the collection a 5 Star rating regardless!)

The stories:

Last Chance Christmas, Julie Lessman’s novella, was a lovely read. As usual, Julie infused her story with passion and with Christ as the core of the relationship. I’ve had to wait over a year for another Julie historical and it was worth the wait!

A Cowboy For Christmas, Ruth Logan Herne’s novella, once again convicted me of why readers love her writing! A fantastic read! You won't be able to go to sleep until you finish it! She does a great job in captivating the reader.

Longhorn Christmas, Mary Connealy’s novella, makes you want to kick up your heels by the fire and read. She has some bonafide creds to tell this story — Connealy lives on a ranch with her husband. When you read this story you know you are getting the read deal. And that is as satisfying as the story!

Connie's Christmas Prayer, Anna Schmidt’s novella, I was unable to get to.  

Available through Christian Book Distributors
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 

I read this collection of four novellas as a download from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Giveaway: A copy of the book (ebook only international unless available on Book Depository.)

Bonnie reviews Love Everlasting by Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series, Book 2) 

By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016

"I've learned the hard way that I need to see love in action as well as hear it." (Love Everlasting)

Isle of Hope, Georgia

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

~5 stars~

Driving the inebriated Dr. Sam Cunningham home after a fancy fundraiser for Memorial Hospital - as a favor to her brother Jack, Sam's friend and co-worker - proves to be much more than Shannon O'Bryen bargained for. Sam is known as "love 'em and leave 'em" charismatic player, Dr. Love, at Memorial - after having her heart broken by someone very similar, Shannon is content with her single life as a school teacher and ghostwriter of romance books. 

Abandoned as a baby, Sam looks to professional success and an extravagant lifestyle as a way of proving himself worthy of love. After persuading Shannon to give him lessons in winning back his ex-girlfriend - nurse Jasmine Augustine, wealthy daughter of his boss - his eyes are opened to faith and the true definition of love. While slowly becoming attracted to his teacher and her purity, Sam finds she has a few heart-breaking secrets of her own. 

Love Everlasting is the second book in the Isle of Hope series by Julie Lessman - it was a joy revisiting members of the O'Bryen family and catching up with the romance between Ben and Tess. While not necessary to read the first book, Isle of Hope, and it's prequel, A Glimmer of Hope, to enjoy Love Everlasting - I feel new readers of the series will be mesmerized by the story and enticed to read the others, excited to enjoy more of the delightful O'Bryens. 

Julie's unique style and passion in writing romance and her gift of developing realistic characters and story lines - frequently drawing from experiences in her own life, have insured a "love everlasting" for her characters with me. Her bits of humor, exquisite descriptions, and heart-pounding twists in each book are exceeded only by the "happily ever after" ending through the redemption of her flawed characters by a loving God. 

I loved Shannon's story in Love Everlasting and look forward to the final book in the series - the story of Cat, Shannon's twin sister. The 'Isle of Hope' series - Julie's entry into the field of contemporary Christian fiction - contains all of the elements readers have come to love from her historical Christian fiction. Each of Julie's books, historical or contemporary, is a 5+ star book for me - I can't recommend them highly enough!   

This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!

In honor of the release of Love Everlasting: the e-book of A Glimmer of Hope is FREE, the e-book of Isle of Hope is half-price at $3.99. All three books are available on Amazon. Julie also has a novella in the Cowboy Christmas Homecoming: Four Historical Novellas, through Gilead Publishing - releasing this month and available at Amazon, CBD, and Barnes & Noble. 

Giveaway: Julie is graciously gifting one blessed commenter NOW with his/her choice of an e-book of either Love Everlasting or Isle of Hope - OR - a paperback of Love Everlasting, available in November, 2016. (International winners ebook only.)

Diana Reviews 'Love Everlasting' By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series Book 2) 

By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars!~

(No Spoilers!)

Another Gem By Julie!

Get ready to go on another a passionate, angst-filled journey as twisty and sinuous as a roller coaster ride to Hope Isle, Georgia—a lovely picture-perfect isle with Southern seaside beauty and charming cottages nestled next to lush plantations—but wherein lay plenty of drama, secrets, and heartaches buried underneath the guise of tranquility! 

The sweet, demure Shannon O'Bryen is a faith-filled school teacher by day and a secret writer of romance by night. Writing love stories is the safest route for her to take as she has been terribly burned by love in the past. A lying player had completely broken her spirit and Shannon has totally sworn off men forever. Then how does she get mixed up with the world's biggest player, pediatrician Dr. Sam Cunningham? 

Too handsome for his own good, the wealthy, charismatic, and flirtatious, Sam, has left a string of broken hearts stretching all the way across Hope Isle. Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster care system, and finds himself looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Shannon cannot tolerate his type, but finds herself willing to help him woo back his ex-girlfriend. She does write romance after all, so no problem, right? But as they draw closer and become the best of friends, Shannon teaches Sam so much more—of faith and the true definition of love. But one of them is hiding a deep secret which could destroy their friendship forever. Will either of them ever be able to open their eyes and hearts...to a love everlasting?

Be still my fluttering, racing, pounding heart! Julie Lessman is truly la creme de la creme at writing romance with so many disquieting twists and turns, and ooh, the drama! I felt as though my heart had been run through the wringer by the time I finished this emotive, fast-paced novel. I so admired Shannon's willpower against Sam's beguiling ways because he stole my foolish heart from chapter one...after he sobered up that is. ;) If you read Isle of Hope (which I hope you did!) you will remember Shannon's mother—the bubbly and vivacious Tess—and her troubled romance with Dr. Ben Carmichael, whose story continues in this book as well. So you get two sizzling, toe-curling romances for the price of one! No worries if you didn't read Isle of Hope because this novel stands quite well alone. Interspersed throughout is alot of the playful humor, quips and banter Ms. Lessman is so well known for—and a wellspring of tears, hope, and the inspiring story of God's redemption and forgiveness.

Plantation in Hope Isle, Georgia

Beautiful Hope Isle, Georgia

This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!

GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously offering winner's choice of e-book copy of either Isle of Hope or Love Everlasting now -- OR paperback copy of Love Everlasting when it releases in November! International entrants e-book only. Please be sure to leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Noela reviews A GLIMMER OF HOPE by Julie Lessman

A Glimmer of Hope

A Glimmer of Hope: A Novella Prequel to Isle of Hope

by Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman LLC (March 1, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Love, passion, and faith

Julie Lessman adeptly weaves intense passion into a heart-rending, candid tale of a powerful love that’s battered by the cruel assault of rejection, insecurity, and unbelief. Prepare to be swept up in the lives and soul-deep love of the all too human characters Lacey and Jack, as a battle of natural-self versus spirit creates a compelling and riveting reading experience.

Eighteen year old Lacey Carmichael’s father makes her feel worthless by berating and belittling her way too often. This makes Lacey desperate for affirmation and love from other sources. Namely Jack. Reliable and loving Jack O’Bryen, whom she’s known since childhood and makes her feel special. He’s always been there to comfort her and pull her together but with Jack being away at college, Lacey’s insecurities increase exponentially. Influenced by her wayward friend Nicki, and distressed by fights with her dad; Lacey’s need for intimacy reaches an all-time high when Jack arrives home.

Jack deeply respects and admires his preacher father, and is happily following in his footsteps. Jack’s faith and relationship with God means everything to him. Jack is also thoroughly and passionately in love with Lacey, and needing one too many cold showers. Will Jack be able to resist the temptations and demands that Lacey places upon him while reassuring her of his love? Or might Lacey drive him away? Can there be a glimmer of hope for a love that’s so strong, yet so vulnerable?

I should be used to Julie Lessman’s striking writing-style by now after having read every one of her novels, but still I find myself in awe of Julie’s passion and heart for the broken—expressively and eloquently interlaced throughout. This would be an invaluable book for the dating Christian. If you haven’t read the ‘Isle of Hope’ which follows on from this novella, it is an exceptionally breathtaking must-read and I wholeheartedly recommend both books!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

You may purchase this bargain-priced novella from here: AMAZON

GIVEAWAY: We have TWO e-book copies of 'A Glimmer of Hope for giveaway! Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of them! Leave your email to be eligible, using (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers. 

A Glimmer of Hope by Julie Lessman Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

A Glimmer of Hope by Author Julie Lessman

Review by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****

Since their first kiss - pastor's son, seminary-bound Jack O'Bryen has known he will always love tomboy neighbor Lacey Carmichael. Sharing his faith - her witty, full-of-life personality is the perfect attraction for his sensibility and seriousness.

Eighteen-year-old Lacey has loved Jack since she was twelve years old. Her surgeon father Ben's continual rejection, verbal and emotional abuse compel her to seek affirmation of being loved through Jack's expressions of affection. Determined to serve God and feeling intense pressure and spiritual conflict, Jack meets Lacey's amorous advances with resistance.

When Lacey allows cousin Nicki to lead her astray by plotting to make Jack jealous through furthering the attentions of "bad-boy" Royce Barrister, Ben's abuse intensifies. Lacey's search for consolation becomes even more bold and Jack is forced to make serious decisions affecting their relationship and his faith.

"A Glimmer of Hope" is the prequel to Julie Lessman's emotional,  compelling story of hope and forgiveness , "Isle of Hope". Previous readers of "Isle of Hope" will love learning the background of Jack and Lacey, new readers will more fully appreciate Lacey's transformation after reading "A Glimmer of Hope".

Never have another prequel and novel touched my heart as deeply as have "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope". Based on Julie Lessman's relationship with her father, the realism of the characters and life situations takes readers through a gamut of emotions - alternately ripping the heart out through empathy for the characters, then filling it with joy through their redemption by a loving God. The story of Jack and Lacey is one to which many readers will relate/have related - it's reviews bearing testimony of His using it's power to inspire, heal emotional pain, and change lives of readers.

Giveaway: Julie Lessman has generously donated THREE eBook giveaways of "A Glimmer of Hope"!! For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

 

Books of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Novel of the Year
Brentwoods' Ward by Michelle Griep

Debut Novel of the Year

Debut Christian fiction of the Year

Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello

Other Favorite Books of the Year

SERIES that I can't wait to read so I've used my Kindle!

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

FABULOUS Series by Lorna Seilstad!

In Good Company by Jen Turano
Another Fabulous Series!

After a Fashion also by Jen Turano

To Win Her Favor

by Tamera Alexander

Also part of a fabulous series!

NOVELLAS of the Year

Novellas of the Year

 To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
(Also available in audiobook format) This is part of a collection but available individually.

Bibliotherapy Novella of the Year

Tobogganing for Two by Darlene Franklin

Other Novellas of the Year

The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner

Part of the "A Love's Sporting Chance" collection from Forget-Me-Not Books

With This Kiss Historical Collection

His Beloved Bride by Ruth Logan Herne and  
Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman 

(The entire With This Kiss Historical Collection was lovely!)

Novella Collection of the Year - Most Eligible Bachelor from Barbour. All of the novellas in this collection are wonderfully done and I read all of them! This is my favorite of all the Barbour collections I have read to date! 

In this collection DEBUT Novella of 2015: Susie Dietze, Love's Reward 

• The Highwayman by Shannon McNear
• Four Brides And A Bachelor by Gabrielle Meyer
• Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn

• A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey
• The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
• The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by Connie Stevens
• A Bride For A Bargain by Amanda Barratt
• Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch

Other lovely collections with great stories by talented authors (Some of these I read while recovering from major surgery in the spring and enjoyed so much!) 

The Convenient Brides a great collection which includes wonderful novellas like those by Gabrielle Meyer - "A Groom for Josette," and Erica Vesch - "A Bride for Bear," stories from Andrea Boeschaar, Jennifer Uhlarik, Melissa Jagears' great story with "mature" characters and more!

Homestead Brides was SO GOOD!!! Wonderful novellas from some great authors!  A delightful collection. Ruth Logan Herne's "Prairie Promises" and Carla Olson Gade's "Proving Up" were two of my favorites, but all were so well done. One of the most moving tales was written by DiAnn Mills. Add in Pam Hillman's, Mary Connealy's, Erica Vetsch's, Kathleen Y'Barbo's, Darlene Franklin's and Becca Whitham's novellas and you have many novellas to keep you busy reading enjoyably for a long time!

I have to include the 2015 collection Christmas Traditions (Forget-Me-Not Romances, July 2015) because even though I am in it with The Fruitcake Challenge, I don't want to omit all the wonderful stories and authors in this collection, which stayed at the #1 spot on Amazon for anthologies for a long time and on the top #5 through Christmas. It includes a new 2015 novella by Angela Breidenbach plus wonderful stories by Cynthia Hickey, Gina Welborn (who spearheaded the collectin), Patty Smith Hall, Niki Turner, Darlene Franklin, and Jennifer AlLee.

GIVEAWAY: Paperback copy of Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep and another winner will receive Ebook or paperback (USA only unless available on BD) of choice of any of these books! Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which are you most yearning to read?  If you are like me there are probably many books you didn't get to read this year that you hope to catch up on!

Diana's Review Of 'Isle Of Hope' By Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman, Nov. 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

~5 stars!~



To Error Is Human - To Forgive Is Divine

Author Julie Lessman takes the reader on a poignant, impassioned roller coaster ride to the picturesque coastal community of Isle of Hope, Georgia—where full moons rise over the marsh and the scents of wisteria and pungent, salty sea water permeate the summer nights. A sleepy haven where charming cottages are nestled next to lush plantations, but wherein lies a plethora of secrets.

Wild girl, Lacey Carmichael, is back in town after an eight year absence—setting off a dramatic chain of events like ripples in a stream. Kicked out of her home by her cardiac surgeon father when she was eighteen, Lacey turned her back on everyone who loved her. Now she is back to make amends and show her father, friends, and Dr. Jack O'Bryen, her ex-boyfriend—that she is a changed woman by the grace of God. But the price of forgiveness does not come cheap as further bridges of betrayal are still smoldering after an adulterous affair by Jack's pastor father, destroying Jack's faith. Is there any hope for reconciliation after simmering, bitter emotions have lain buried below the surface all these years?

There's never been any doubt in my mind that Julie Lessman is la crème de la crème of sizzling romance, but this novel simply blew me away! Not just because there was plenty of romantic tension (which there was!), but the message of forgiveness and redemption interwoven throughout was so powerfully anointed that I had quite the relationship with my tissue box. I found my emotions running the gamut as I laughed at the characters' playful quips and antics, shed many a gut-wrenching tear, and was so mad at the audacity of even thinking that an adulterous affair could be labeled under the "forgiveness" category! Rude awakening for me...sin is sin. And speaking of rude, Lacey's father (aka Dr. Doom)...ugh, don't even let me go there! Julie Lessman lured me into this fabulous tale of romance, second chances, and healing—and captured me hook, line, and sinker. Isle of Hope is a masterpiece of a novel filled with hope and inspiration—raw, real life situations and characters, and of course, Julie's trademark twists and turns! Be sure to grab your copy today!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This awesome book may be purchased through Amazon.

GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously providing an ebook copy of Isle of Hope to one blessed commenter!! To be eligible please leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to prevent spammers. Drawing Sun. Nov. 29th!





Bonnie reviews Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

Bonnie reviews Isle of Hope- by Julie Lessman

***** 5 stars

"When guided by love, the truth never ruins hope, it only sets it free. Not only does our God redeem and restore human beings, he redeems and restores the mistakes they make as well, turning tears of mourning into tears of joy". (Isle of Hope)

When 18-year-old "wild child" Lacey Carmichael is kicked out of the house by her heart-surgeon father, Ben, numerous hearts are broken when she flees to California with a friend. Eight years later, Lacey has become a woman of faith; though she returns home to Isle of Hope, Georgia to be the maid of honor in her cousin Nicki Phillips' wedding - her greater purpose is to reconcile with her estranged father and the two people she deserted without explanation: previous seminary-bound boyfriend Jack O'Bryen, and her best friend Cathleen (Cat) O'Bryen, Jack's sister.

However, the tables have turned: Jack, heart-broken by Lacey, and bitter over his pastor father Adam's affair with Lacey's mother, Karen - has turned away from God. Known as man about town "Doctor Swoon' by all the nurses, he is a pediatrician at Memorial Hospital. Lacey's guilt, low self-esteem, and the bitterness with which she is met, present huge obstacles in restoring relationships with two dysfunctional families. Numerous uncovered secrets, by both families, cause additional wounds which can only be mended by a God of hope and love.

When I write a Christian Fiction book review my prayer is always that it will honor both God and the book itself. There is no author whose work I love, and am inspired by, more than that of Julie Lessman. The passion and emotion with which she writes puts her work in a lofty category of it's own; I'm always amazed at the number of beautiful characters and stories she is able to weave within the pages of each book. I read 'Isle of Hope' twice - the first time deeply touched and inspired, the second time even more so.

I related to the warmth and realism of it's characters and their stories on a deep level - storing them in the recesses of my heart; identifying with some of their trials, re: my own younger life, made me love them even more. As with Julie's other books - God is the key around which the characters revolve; the humor from some characters, along with antics of adorable children, balancing the drama and angst. Scattered amongst my reading moments of tears, smiles, and joy were some of anger and shock, replaced by the inspiration and redemption of the characters through a loving God of hope and forgiveness.

Even though Christian Historical Fiction is generally my favorite book genre, and I loved each of Julie's ten books and two novellas in that genre, I feel Isle of Hope, her first Christian Contemporary Fiction, is her best work yet. I joyfully await book two of the series and the opportunity it will provide to reconnect with some beautiful, inspiring literary friends. 

GIVEAWAY: Our thanks to Julie Lessman for her generous provision of an eBook giveaway of 'Isle of Hope' to one blessed commenter from each of the two reviews of her book on OWG this week!  Answer this question: Do you primarily read historical romance or contemporary, and why?